Midlothian

I

Introduction

Midlothian, unitary authority, south-eastern Scotland, bordered on the north-west by Edinburgh unitary authority, on the north-east by East Lothian unitary authority, and on the south-east and south-west by Scottish Borders. Midlothian unitary authority came into existence on April 1, 1996, as a result of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Bill 1994, which provided for the restructuring of local administration in Scotland: single-tier, all-purpose unitary authorities have replaced the two-tier system of regional and district councils established in 1975. The area of the unitary authority is coterminous with that of the district of Midlothian from the former Lothian region, and it comprises the majority of the historic county of Midlothian. In 1975 almost all of Midlothian was incorporated into Lothian; a small area in the south went to Borders. Within Lothian, the Currie, Musselburgh, and West Calder areas were moved into Edinburgh, East Lothian, and West Lothian districts, respectively, where they remain. Midlothian has an area of almost 356 sq km (137 sq mi).

II

Land and Resources

The Pentland Hills run down the western border of Midlothian; the Moorfoot Hills run through the south of the area. They descend east and north to meet the valleys of the North Esk and the South Esk, which meet just north of Dalkeith to form the Esk, which flows into the Firth of Forth at Musselburgh. The Pentland Hills Regional Park, which covers an area of 9,158 hectares (22,600 acres), lies partly within Midlothian and extends into Edinburgh and West Lothian unitary authorities. Much of Midlothian is underlain by rich coalfields. These were being exploited in the 12th century; by the end of the 18th century coal was the mainstay of the economy, a role it played for another 150 years.

The climate of Midlothian is relatively mild. The average January temperature is 4° C (39° F); the average July temperature is 15° C (59° F).

III

Population and Administration

Midlothian has a population of 80,941 (2001). The main settlements are Penicuik (1991, 17,173), Bonnyrigg and Lasswade (1991, 13,696), Mayfield and Easthouse (1991, 12,103), Dalkeith (1991, 11,567), Gorebridge (1991, 5,888), and Loanhead (1991, 5,659). Dalkeith is the administrative centre of Midlothian Council, an agricultural market town, and one of Midlothian's main manufacturing centres. Penicuik, at the base of the Pentland Hills is also a market centre.

The police authority for Midlothian is the Lothian and Borders Police Force, which has its headquarters in Edinburgh. The unitary authority falls under the jurisdiction of the Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders.

IV

Places of Interest

The traditional mining heritage of Midlothian is preserved and presented at the Scottish Mining Museum, housed in the Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange—one of the finest surviving collieries from the Victorian period. The museum features interactive exhibitions and audio-visual displays that recreate the atmosphere and conditions of a working mine in the 19th century. Built in 1448 Rosslyn Chapel, in the village of Roslin, features an elaborate collection of rare and enigmatic carvings and engravings. According to local tradition, the chapel has long-standing associations with the Knights Templar and freemasonry. Nearby Rosslyn Castle dates from 1304 and is the ancestral home of the St Clair family, the earls of Rosslyn. Vogrie Country Park, near Gorebridge, is a 19th-century estate covering an area of 105 hectares (260 acres). The extensive grounds feature a formalized park, walled gardens, farmland, and woods.

Midlothian is home to a wealth of buildings of architectural and historical interest, including ancient Christian monuments, medieval castles, and other historic landmarks. Borthwick Castle, to the south-east of Gorebridge, was built in 1430 and once served as a sanctuary for Mary, Queen of Scots. Crichton Castle, a large 15th-century castle, features a facade of faceted stonework in the Italian Renaissance style. Newbattle Abbey, a Cistercian monastery, was founded by David I in the 12th century. The abbey was substantially rebuilt during the 16th century after the original buildings were seriously damaged following attacks by English armies, including that of Richard II in 1385.